USA-Canada Two Nation Vacation | The Olympic Peninsula, WA

2-Nation Vacation

ENTERING THE UNITED STATES

International travelers, including Canadian citizens, will need proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Please have your vaccination card or a photo of it ready in the event you are asked to show it.

US citizens and US Lawful Permanent Residents do not need to provide proof of vaccination upon entry back into the US.

Please visit the US Homeland Security website for more information.

ENTERING CANADA EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2022

You will only need a valid passport (or other valid travel document) to enter Canada. Please visit the Government of Canada’s website for more information.

Sailing with the M.V. Coho

Once you’ve explored the Olympic Peninsula, extend your experience beyond the U.S. border. The M.V. Coho, operated by Black Ball Ferry Line, provides year-round passenger and vehicle ferry service between Port Angeles and Victoria, British Columbia. Outside decks, a covered solarium and floor-to-ceiling windows provide the opportunity for close-up views of stunning scenery and marine wildlife along the 90-minute ride.

The craft will accommodate your car, truck or RV, but you might consider walking or biking on and leaving the vehicle behind. Public transportation in Victoria makes getting around a snap, and a plethora of sites and activities are within easy walking distance of ferry terminals.

Pets travel free on the M.V. Coho. All pets are subject to health, quarantine, agriculture, or wildlife requirements and prohibitions, and must be free of disease. Please Note: Dogs also must have a valid rabies vaccine certificate to cross the border. If crossing with a puppy, certain paperwork will need to be completed at the border for the “new addition to the family.” For more information, please visit APHIS’s (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) website.

Visiting Victoria: Charm, History and So Much More

Only 18 miles across the Strait of Juan de Fuca from Port Angeles, the cosmopolitan city of Victoria, B.C. feels worlds away. Renowned for its British flair and charming ambiance, the capital city of British Columbia abounds with Victorian architecture, stunning gardens, outdoor recreation and unique cultural experiences.

The Butterfly Gardens in Victoria, BC

The Butterfly Gardens

Six Places See in Victoria:

  1. Explore the beauty of The Butchart Gardens—55 acres of garden splendor.
  2. Stroll picturesque Inner Harbour
  3. Take a double-decker bus tour and hop off for tea at the majestic Fairmont Empress Hotel.
  4. Take a whale-watching excursion
  5. Explore the natural and human history of British Columbia at the world-acclaimed Royal British Columbia Museum
  6. Discover British Columbia’s craft beer scene and farm-to-table cuisine

Learn more about what awaits in Victoria, B.C. Black Ball Ferry Line offers several packages, and ideas for crafting your own 2-Nation Vacation itinerary.

Before you Board: Tips for Ferry Travel

  • Avoid the rush. Summers and weekends are busy. Arrive at the terminal at least one hour before scheduled sailing time.
  • Don’t forget the proper ID. A passport or enhanced driver’s license is required for passage between the U.S. and Canada.
  • Consider ditching the car. Take advantage of stellar local transportation and leave your car behind. Added bonus: No reservations required for foot passengers, and cyclists load via the passenger ramp.
  • Bring your appetite. Enjoy specialty beverages, light meals including Ivar’s Famous Clam Chowder and fish and chips, and snacks from the onboard ferry café. Or bring you own food for a memorable floating picnic.
  • Pack a jacket. Outside decks offer a refreshing ride, but they can get breezy.
  • Bring your furry friend. Pets love vacations, too. The M.V. Coho allows them in the main cabin and on the solarium deck. Check to be certain your pet has the necessary documentation to make leaving and entering both countries a seamless process.

Follow
the Loop

Victoria is a must-see addition to an Olympic Peninsula road trip. Learn what else makes the Top-15 Must-See list.